Purchasing Agent-Mechanical, Electrical Welding Tools

Position Summary

The Purchasing Agent – Mechanical, Electrical & Welding Tools is responsible for evaluating competitive vendor pricing, service, and product availability to procure materials and equipment in support of all projects and shop operations. This role procures required tools and consumables in an ethical, value-conscious, timely, and well-organized manner while ensuring consistency, cost control, and availability across the organization. We are seeking an experienced Purchasing Agent with strong knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and welding tools and consumables to source, standardize, and manage tooling across seven (7) business units.

The ideal candidate understands both shop and field tooling requirements and works collaboratively with operations, fabrication, electrical, safety, and tool management teams to support efficient and safe execution of work.

• Execute end-to-end purchasing activities, from requisition through purchase order issuance, to support project schedules and operations timelines.
• Source materials, equipment, rough-in items, services as requested for projects and operations while ensuring compliance with approved vendors and buying agreements.
• Obtain competitive pricing through multiple bids and negotiate cost, lead times, rebates, and purchasing terms to achieve best overall value.
• Collaborate with project teams to align purchases with specifications, budgets, schedules, and job cost codes.
• Coordinate deliveries to job sites, fabrication shops, yards, manufacturing facilities, and tool facilities; track back orders and expedite critical materials as needed.
• Optimize inventory levels by utilizing existing yard stock and supporting the goal of minimal long-term inventory.
• Analyze pricing, usage, and purchasing trends to support cost control and informed sourcing decisions.
• Maintain accurate purchase order, vendor, and item master data within company systems; verify pricing changes and request new part numbers when required.
• Support Accounts Payable with PO-to-invoice validation and resolution of discrepancies.
• Proactively communicate and resolve supply chain risks, shortages, or delivery issues.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Strong knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and welding tools and consumables
• Experience procuring hand tools, power tools, electrical tools, welding equipment, and related consumables
• Experience managing tools across multiple departments or business units
• Experience managing welding consumables including wire, rod, gas, PPE, and accessories
• Experience working with industrial and electrical suppliers (e.g. Grainger, Milwaukee, Greenlee, Ridged, and welding/electrical distributors)
• Experience maintaining, consolidating, and managing part numbers and vendor catalogs
• Ability to read and interpret specifications, drawings, and equipment requirements
• Strong organizational, follow-up, and communication skills
• Strong proficiency in Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, formulas)
• Experience working in purchasing or ERP systems (Vista Viewpoint, IFS exposure helpful)

• Works under general supervision, exercising independent judgment in day-to-day purchasing decisions; consults with supervisor on complex or non-routine matters.
• Receives guidance primarily on overall objectives, priorities, and policy-related issues.
• Acts as a liaison with internal teams and external partners, independently managing matters related to assigned purchasing responsibilities.
• Bachelor’s degree with 3+ years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education, skills, and experience.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to present data in a clear, actionable manner.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities with strong attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (e.g., pivot tables, formulas, lookup functions) preferred.

Safety
:
Our unmatched culture of safety is our foremost core value, guiding everything we do each day:
Health, Safety, & Environmental

Awards
: RK Industries is highly recognized and accredited throughout the industry for Construction, Manufacturing, Fabrication, or Service

Benefits
: RK Industries offers competitive benefits to support your growth and well-being

Philanthropy
: RK Industries invests in the community by supporting local services through the RK Foundation

Development
:
Through RK University, we provide hands-on training and development opportunities, including leadership and technical learning, along with our accredited apprentice program: RK University & RK Apprenticeship Program

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.